JCC Chicago Early Childhood at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Featured in Exchange Magazine for Groundbreaking Intergenerational Work
We’re honored to share that JCC Chicago Early Childhood at ‘Z’ Frank Apachi was featured in Exchange Magazine as a leader in intergenerational programming! The article, which explores the powerful impact of connecting younger and older generations, highlights the work of IDEAL18—a Chicago-based initiative—and specifically mentions the Grandfriends Program currently hosted at our ‘Z’ Frank […] Learn More ›
How We Celebrated Mental Health Month Together
At JCC Early Childhood, we believe in the power of supporting children’s mental wellness, especially during these pivotal early learning years. May was Mental Health Awareness Month and a time when we focused on nurturing big feelings and providing tools to help children thrive. As mom to four, I’ve had my share of big feelings. […] Learn More ›
Inspiring Education, at Home and Abroad
Do we ever really stop learning? I took some time off last week and took my good friend to one of my favorite places in Colorado. While I have been there many times, we did things on this trip that were firsts for me, too. On breaks in between morning walks and mountain hikes, my […] Learn More ›
“Grandfriends” Transcends Generations
After seven years as a lead teacher at JCC Chicago ‘Z’ Frank Apachi Early Childhood, I stumbled upon a life altering national intergenerational fellowship opportunity envisioned by Ideal18 and funded through a generous grant by the Covenant Foundation. They were seeking classroom educators and administrators in Jewish early childhood who were intent on becoming activists […] Learn More ›
Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center Furthers Its Commitment to Inclusion
In Summer 2021, Jacob Duman Early Childhood Center at Lake County JCC had the great privilege to welcome the Axelrod family. Jordan and Ryder, twins, were toddlers at the time. We learned that both parents, Jenny and Corey, were hard of hearing and members of the Deaf community. Their primary language was American Sign Language […] Learn More ›
Chew on This: Strategies for Responding to your Child’s Biting
Getting a call from your child’s teacher, only to learn that they have bitten one of their peers or have been bitten by someone, can be alarming for parents. Not knowing how to react or what to do can often leave you feeling helpless. It is important to understand that biting is a normal developmental […] Learn More ›